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on MENA - Middle East and North Africa |
| By: | Arkebe Oqubay |
| Abstract: | Morocco has emerged as one of Africa's success stories, achieving significant progress in economic transformation and the green transition over the past 25 years. Continuing and deepening this transformation is essential to reach the country’s goal of becoming a high-income economy in the coming decades. Significant challenges include managing the risk of the middle-income trap, addressing demographic pressures, promoting inclusive growth, ensuring environmental sustainability, and advancing the broader green transition. A vital part of this effort is developing innovation and technological capabilities, promoting sustainable industrialization, increasing productivity, tackling youth unemployment, and improving labor markets and workforce quality. Morocco’s experience offers valuable lessons for African economic development by demonstrating the potential for industrial transformation, challenging widespread pessimism about Africa’s prospects for industrialization, and positioning Morocco as a potential driver of growth. This paper reviews and synthesizes the transformation of the Moroccan economy, covering the period from 1970 to 2025 and examines government policies and provides insights into Moroccan economic change and lessons for Africa. |
| Date: | 2025–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ocp:rtrade:rp_14-25 |
| By: | Zahraa Abu Alloul (Kuwait University); Fatima Boujarwah (Kuwait University); Zainab AlMeraj (Kuwait University) |
| Abstract: | Throughout the history of STEM, women have made significant strides towards narrowing gender gap in scientific and technical fields. However, there remains an under-representation of women in leadership positions. The term STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine—has gained prominence as a focal point for global discussions on gender equality. Addressing the persistent underrepresentation of women in STEM requires a deeper understanding of their pathways, challenges, and lived experiences. The objective of this research is to examine the extent of women’s participation in STEM workplaces and academic programs, with particular focus on Kuwait. This study adopts a mixed-methods approach, utilizing interviews and questionnaires to document perspectives in greater depth. The work is driven by three guiding questions: (1) What factors motivate women to pursue STEM majors? (2) What underlying causes contribute to gender gap in STEM workforce? (3) What barriers and challenges do women encounter in STEM careers? Findings show that multiple factors encourage women in Kuwait to choose STEM disciplines, even though gender gap in workplaces persists. The results highlight entrenched barriers such as social stereotypes, gender biases within organizational hierarchies, and unsupportive workplace environments. These obstacles collectively hinder women’s career progression and restrict their access to leadership opportunities. By focusing on Arab women within the MENA region, this research provides culturally contextualized insights into gender participation in STEM and offers recommendations to foster greater support, advancement into leadership, guidance for policymakers and institutional leaders seeking to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in scientific and technical domains. |
| Keywords: | STEM, Gender Gap, Cultural biases, Occupational segregation, Professional positions |
| Date: | 2025–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:smo:raiswp:0591 |
| By: | Sabrine Emran; Oussama Tayebi |
| Abstract: | Le secteur minier traverse une période critique où convergent transition énergétique mondiale, recompositions des chaînes d'approvisionnement et ambitions nationales d'industrialisation. Le Maroc, pays doté d'un patrimoine minier diversifié incluant phosphate, cobalt, cuivre et autres minerais critiques, dispose d'un réel potentiel pour s'imposer comme acteur incontournable de la transition énergétique. Toutefois, l'absence de stratégie nationale dédiée, le manque de coordination intersectorielle et la prédominance des exportations de matières brutes limitent la capacité du pays à capter le potentiel réel de ces minerais et à développer des filières industrielles compétitives. Dans un contexte international marqué par l'émergence d'une « diplomatie minérale » et la multiplication des coalitions entre puissances, le Maroc doit simultanément structurer son approche nationale et se positionner sur les scènes régionale et mondiale. Ce policy paper propose une réflexion stratégique sur ces thèmes, articulée autour de trois dimensions complémentaires. La première souligne l'impératif d'élaborer une stratégie nationale globale, fruit d'un débat associant acteurs publics, secteur privé, recherche et société civile, définissant les priorités en matière de minerais critiques et stratégiques et favorisant la transformation locale. La deuxième dimension explore les opportunités de coopération africaine et Sud-Sud, plaçant le Maroc comme catalyseur de coalitions régionales permettant de mutualiser ressources et compétences, de structurer des chaînes de valeur continentales et de renforcer le pouvoir de négociation des pays producteurs. La troisième dimension, enfin, examine le positionnement international du royaume dans les débats sur la gouvernance des minerais critiques, incluant les enjeux émergents tels que l'exploitation des grands fonds marins. L'analyse démontre que la valorisation du potentiel minier marocain requiert une vision intégrée conjuguant développement industriel national, leadership régional et insertion stratégique dans les partenariats internationaux. |
| Date: | 2025–10 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ocp:rpcoen:pp_40-25 |
| By: | Aomar Ibourk; Sana Hninou |
| Abstract: | This study investigates the impact of female agricultural cooperatives on women’s empowerment in Morocco, with a focus on the rural Marrakech-Safi region. The research evaluates the effectiveness of these cooperatives in enhancing women’s empowerment through economic opportunities, participatory governance, and leadership roles. The Global Empowerment Index (GEI) was adopted to measure empowerment across five key dimensions: personal decision-making, economic decision-making, household decision-making, freedom of mobility, and participation in community activities. A multilevel analysis was performed using data from 225 cooperative members, selected through a combination of convenience and purposive sampling. The findings reveal that cooperatives fostering leadership roles, economic opportunities, and participatory governance significantly enhance women’s autonomy and control over resources. However, persistent challenges such as limited market access and insufficient resources continue to hinder the full potential of these cooperatives. By examining the interplay between cooperative models and regional factors, this research offers actionable recommendations. These include improving access to training programs tailored to women in cooperatives, establishing mentorship initiatives to foster long-term empowerment and skill development, expanding targeted microcredit, investing in sustainable infrastructure, and promoting digital integration for direct market access. Nevertheless, the study’s regional scope and reliance on cross-sectional data represent limitations, underscoring the need for future research to explore diverse contexts and longitudinal perspectives. |
| Date: | 2025–06 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ocp:rpaagr:pp_11-25 |
| By: | Souibgui, Moez; Abida, Zouheir |
| Abstract: | This study examines the relationship between the real effective exchange rate (REER) and economic growth in Tunisia from 1980 to 2011, using the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM). The analysis incorporates key macroeconomic variables, including initial GDP per capita, investment, public expenditure, trade openness, and human capital, to assess their impact on economic performance. The results indicate that real exchange rate depreciation has a negative but statistically insignificant effect on growth. While depreciation may enhance external competitiveness and stimulate exports, its impact remains contingent on import costs and inflationary pressures. Conversely, trade openness and human capital have positive and statistically significant effects, reinforcing the argument that economic liberalization and investment in human capital are crucial drivers of growth. Public expenditure, however, shows a negative and significant relationship with growth, suggesting potential inefficiencies in fiscal policy. These findings highlight the importance of exchange rate management, investment policies, and trade liberalization in fostering economic development. Policymakers should prioritize structural reforms, technology transfer, and private investment to enhance long-term growth prospects. The study’s insights are particularly relevant for other developing economies seeking to optimize exchange rate policies and economic strategies to achieve sustainable growth. |
| Keywords: | Real Effective Exchange Rate, Economic Growth, Human Capital, Tunisia |
| JEL: | A1 A10 A13 |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:127389 |
| By: | Sedra Hicham (Kénitra - Ecole nationale de commerce et gestion Ibn Tofail); Errabai Mouhsine (REIS - Laboratoire de recherche : Régulations Economiques et Intelligence Stratégique (REIS). - UH2C - Université Hassan II de Casablanca = University of Hassan II Casablanca = جامعة الحسن الثاني (ar)); Abdelbaki Noureddine (UIT - Université Ibn Tofaïl) |
| Abstract: | University hospitals face complex challenges in balancing their healthcare, teaching, and research missions in an environment marked by significant budgetary and regulatory constraints. This article takes a qualitative and analytical approach based on an in-depth literature review to examine the contribution of agency, resource, and contingency theories to optimizing hospital management control. The analysis draws on recent theoretical work and a comparison of management practices observed in Moroccan and international university hospitals, with a focus on mechanisms for reducing agency costs, strategic resource allocation, and the adaptation of control tools to specific contextual factors. The results show that the implementation of integrated management systems, combining dashboards, internal audits, and incentive schemes, promotes better governance, efficient use of resources, and a measurable improvement in the quality of care. The main conclusion emphasizes that adapting management control to local contingencies is a major lever for performance and patient satisfaction. Keywords: Hospital management control, university hospitals, agency theory, resource theory, contingency theory, resource allocation, organizational performance |
| Abstract: | Résumé Les hôpitaux universitaires font face à des défis complexes liés à la conciliation des missions de soins, d'enseignement et de recherche dans un environnement marqué par des contraintes budgétaires et réglementaires fortes. Cet article adopte une approche qualitative et analytique fondée sur une revue documentaire approfondie pour examiner l'apport des théories de l'agence, des ressources et de la contingence dans l'optimisation du contrôle de gestion hospitalier. L'analyse s'appuie sur des travaux théoriques récents et sur une comparaison des pratiques de gestion observées dans les hôpitaux universitaires marocains et internationaux, en mettant l'accent sur les mécanismes de réduction des coûts d'agence, l'allocation stratégique des ressources et l'adaptation des outils de contrôle aux spécificités contextuelles. Les résultats montrent que la mise en œuvre de systèmes de pilotage intégrés, associant tableaux de bord, audits internes et dispositifs d'incitation, favorise une meilleure gouvernance, une utilisation efficiente des ressources et une amélioration mesurable de la qualité des soins. La principale conclusion souligne que l'adaptation du contrôle de gestion aux contingences locales constitue un levier majeur de performance et de satisfaction des patients. Mots-clés : Contrôle de gestion hospitalier, hôpitaux universitaires, théorie de l'agence, théorie des ressources, théorie de la contingence, allocation des ressources, performance organisationnelle Abstract University hospitals face complex challenges in balancing their healthcare, teaching, and research missions in an environment marked by significant budgetary and regulatory constraints. This article takes a qualitative and analytical approach based on an in-depth literature review to examine the contribution of agency, resource, and contingency theories to optimizing hospital management control. The analysis draws on recent theoretical work and a comparison of management practices observed in Moroccan and international university hospitals, with a focus on mechanisms for reducing agency costs, strategic resource allocation, and the adaptation of control tools to specific contextual factors. The results show that the implementation of integrated management systems, combining dashboards, internal audits, and incentive schemes, promotes better governance, efficient use of resources, and a measurable improvement in the quality of care. The main conclusion emphasizes that adapting management control to local contingencies is a major lever for performance and patient satisfaction. Keywords: Hospital management control, university hospitals, agency theory, resource theory, contingency theory, resource allocation, organizational performance |
| Keywords: | Hospital management control, university hospitals, agency theory, resource theory, contingency theory, resource allocation, organizational performance, théorie des ressources, Contrôle de gestion hospitalier, hôpitaux universitaires, théorie de l’agence, performance organisationnelle, allocation des ressources, théorie de la contingence |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05361793 |
| By: | Abiyot Geneme Gebre (University of Keil, Germany) |
| Abstract: | Political regime transitions in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) exhibit a pronounced bifurcation between peaceful transformation and violent upheaval, yet conditions and causal mechanisms for stable, nonviolent change remain scant, partly due to pervasive treatment of structural and agency factors in isolation. This study advances an integrative, qualitative comparative framework that elucidates how individual political agency and structural dynamics interact to produce divergent outcomes, using Ethiopia and Sudan as focal cases. It synthesizes leadership trajectories, coalition architecture, and socio-political ecologies to trace how leadership turnover, party organization, and state–society relations converge to foster stability or provoke volatility. Ethiopia’s episodic leadership changes within a relatively cohesive ruling coalition, reinforced by a reformist orientation and functional parliamentary mechanisms, facilitated continuity and negotiated reform, while Sudan’s extended tenure, succession ambiguity, and shift toward centralized rule undermined legitimacy, intensifying civil–military contestation amid economic distress. By foregrounding mechanisms through which individual traits (ambition, inclusivity, legitimacy-building capacity) interact with institutional configurations (coalition coherence, reform and ideological reorientation, power-sharing norms) and broader context (economic pressures, diaspora mobilization, international scrutiny), the analysis demonstrates that peaceful transitions emerge from nested interactions across levels rather than any single dimension. The study concludes with policy implications for integrated strategies that bolster inclusive governance, institutional resilience, and adaptive leadership in SSA, advocating holistic reform over siloed interventions. |
| Keywords: | Political Regime Transition, Comparative Case Study, Agency, Structure, Ethiopia, Sudan |
| Date: | 2025–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:smo:raiswp:0596 |
| By: | Chifae El Hail (el jadida - National School of Commerce and Management, Chouaib Doukkali University); Mustapha El Koraichi (el jadida - National School of Commerce and Management, Chouaib Doukkali University) |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This paper aims to explore the customer relationship management (CRM) strategies adopted by Family Small and Medium Entreprises (SME), while highlighting the impact of their characteristics and their assets on the choice and the adoption of these CRM strategies. Methodology: Since the unique case study approach allows in-depth, multi-faceted explorations of complex issues, we opted for it as a research strategy in order to develop a detailed understanding of the problem. Therefore, an in-depth case study was carried out within a small and medium family business in Morocco. Findings: Through this study, we have highlighted causal links between the characteristics and specificities of the family SMEs and their impacts on the adoption and implementation of CRM tools and strategies. While some characteristics linked to the nature of family SMEs such as participatory management style, familiness, the desire to transmit the business to future generations and proximity to customers constitute assets for the implementation of CRM, other characteristics, such as the desire to maintain financial independence and recruitment policies that are most often in favor of family members despite their competence, can negatively influence the implementation of successful CRM projects. Implications for Theory and Practice: The results of the present paper allow the authors to draw conclusions that are relevant to both academics and practitioners. As for the theoretical implications, this study highlights the relationship between the characteristics of family SMEs and the choice and implementation of CRM strategies, while relying on their strengths. Furthermore, developing a good understanding of the specificity of CRM adoption and implementation approaches within family SMEs has important managerial implications for family SME decision-makers, as it can help them make better decisions regarding the choice of relevant CRM strategies and to optimize the deployment of available human, financial and technological resources, while relying on their socio-emotional wealth and their motivation to perpetuate the company. Originality: This paper is one of the first to explore CRM strategies adopted by family SMEs. The authors present a conceptual framework that can help researchers and practitioners better understand how the family business nature can influence decisions about CRM tools and strategies implementation. |
| Keywords: | Case Study, Knowledge Transfer, Sustainability, Socio Emotional Wealth, Family Entrepreneurship, Relationship Marketing, CRM Strategies |
| Date: | 2024–04–03 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05267367 |
| By: | Tara Iyer; Agustin Roitman; Mr. James P Walsh |
| Abstract: | Inflation in Türkiye has been high since 2021. This paper investigates the sources of this inflation and the impact of mitigating exchange rate volatility. Two main findings emerge. First, there has been a significant divergence in inflation dynamics across CPI components since late 2021—in particular, services inflation has exhibited more inertia than goods inflation, a result that stands out in both historical and cross-country contexts. The persistence in services inflation has been generally broad-based, with rental services playing an important role. Second, exchange rate shocks are estimated to have a smaller impact on services inflation than on goods inflation. The peak services inflation response to a nominal exchange rate shock is estimated to be fairly muted, at just one-tenth the size of the shock. Indeed, since mid-2023, there has been an unusually sharp rise in the relative price of services, as goods inflation has been more sensitive to exchange rate movements. These findings suggest that when inflation persistence—especially in services—is relatively high, inflation stabilization may require complementary policies to break inertia beyond a stable currency. |
| Keywords: | Türkiye; Services Inflation; Inflation Inertia; VAR; Exchange Rate Pass-Through |
| Date: | 2026–01–16 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2026/006 |
| By: | K. Azim Ozdemir |
| Abstract: | Changes in firm executives’ perceptions of profitability may lead to business expansion or contraction. This study focuses on the antecedents and consequences of changes in profitability perceptions. First, conceptual constructs related to how firm executives perceive and interpret economic conditions are developed. Subsequently, the relationships among these constructs are modeled within the framework of Structural Equation Modeling. Using data from interviews conducted under the Economic Lens to the Real Sector (RESÝM) program carried out by the Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye (CBRT), the results obtained from the estimated model can be summarized as follows: (1) During periods of high inflation, the fear of losing profitability becomes a dominant sentiment among firms and disrupt pricing behavior. (2) In periods of tight monetary policy, firms’ optimism regarding external demand more strongly motivates production activities. (3) When monetary policy is tight, employment intentions tend to be observed predominantly among firms that also exhibit strong investment intentions. (4) Even when monetary policy is supportive, firms may continue to perceive financial conditions as tight in certain periods. |
| Keywords: | Firm behavior, Structural equation modeling, Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye (CBRT), RESIM program, Latent variables, Monetary policy |
| JEL: | C51 D9 E31 E32 E52 E71 |
| Date: | 2026 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tcb:wpaper:2603 |
| By: | Aziz Bentaleb (FSJES - Faculté des Sciences Juridiques, Economique et Sociales de Mohammedia - UH2C - Université Hassan II de Casablanca = University of Hassan II Casablanca = جامعة الحسن الثاني (ar)); Naima Aba (FSJES - Faculté des Sciences Juridiques, Economique et Sociales de Mohammedia - UH2C - Université Hassan II de Casablanca = University of Hassan II Casablanca = جامعة الحسن الثاني (ar)) |
| Abstract: | The internal audit function plays a crucial role in improving the management of both public and private organizations by ensuring the control of risks inherent in their activities. It operates through assurance and advisory missions. In the healthcare sector, and more specifically within the Ibn Sina University Hospital Center, internal auditing has significantly contributed to improving the Center's management. Its advisory role has also supported managers in various files and projects. However, certain constraints still limit its effectiveness as a decisionmaking support tool. The ongoing transformations in public management and the reforms underway in the healthcare sector necessitate strengthening the role of internal auditing to accompany and anticipate these changes. |
| Abstract: | La fonction d'audit interne joue un rôle crucial dans l'amélioration de la gestion des organisations, tant publiques que privées, en veillant à la maîtrise des risques inhérents à leurs activités. Elle s'exerce à travers des missions d'assurance et de conseil. Dans le secteur de la santé, et plus spécifiquement au sein du Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Ibn Sina, l'audit interne a contribué de manière significative à l'amélioration de la gestion du Centre. Son activité de conseil a également permis l'accompagnement des gestionnaires dans de nombreux dossiers et projets. Cependant, certaines contraintes limitent encore son efficacité en tant qu'outil d'aide à la prise de décision. Les mutations que traverse la gestion publique et les réformes en cours dans le secteur de la santé rendent nécessaire un renforcement du rôle de l'audit interne pour accompagner et anticiper ces évolutions. |
| Keywords: | Internal audit, management improvement, healthcare institution, performance, perspectives, établissement de santé, performances, amélioration de la gestion, Audit interne |
| Date: | 2024–10–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05320119 |